The microbial desalination cell (MDC) is a
modification of the microbial fuel cell (MFC) system. The microbial
desalination cell is a sustainable technology to desalinate saltwaterby directlyutilizingtheelectricalpowergeneratedbybacteriaduringthe oxidation process of organic matter. In this study, tempe wastewater will be used as a
substrate.Methylene blue (MB) at
concentrations of 100 ?M, 200 ?M, and 400 ?M in the anolyte is added as a redox
mediator, and the effect on electricity production and desalination performance
are evaluated. The average power density increases by 27.30% and 54.54% at MB
concentrations of 100 ?M and 200 ?M, respectively. On the other hand, the
increase of the MB concentration in the anolyte results in a decrease in the
salt removal percentage. The observation made using a scanning electron
microscope showed the presence of MB adsorption on the surface of the anion
exchange membrane (AEM) and is suspected to be the cause of the disruption of
anion transfer between MDC chambers causing a decrease in the salt removal
percentage.